Members of the RetailWire community were split back in September on the viability of Walmart's "Scan & Go" which, in tests, allowed customers to scan items using an iPhone while they shopped and go to the self-checkout for a quicker front-end experience.
Now comes word the retailer is expanding the test beyond the 70 pilot stores in the Atlanta and Bentonville markets to 200 other locations in 12 markets located in Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
More than half of Walmart shoppers have smartphones, according to Gibu Thomas, senior vice president of mobile and digital initiatives at Walmart Global eCommerce.
"Our goal is to give choices to all of our customers however they want to shop," Mr. Thomas told The Associated Press. "It's part of a holistic program to empower the customer."
Consumer acceptance of the program has been high. Consumers are said to be happy knowing how much they will be paying before getting to the checkout. Being able to control how their purchases are packed is also seen as a customer benefit.
The "Scan & Go" program is currently only available to consumers with an iPhone/iPod Touch or iPad, although Walmart plans to release versions for other mobile platforms, as well.